African Swine Fever Control Zones in Italy: What Changes for Livestock Farmers and Meat Operators in 2026

Key data

Pig farms and meat operators in affected areas of Italy must act immediately: the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2135, in force since September 18, 2026, reclassifies ASF restriction zones and repeals the provisional emergency measures that were in effect until now. Failing to verify whether your facility falls within a restricted zone could result in immediate blocking of operations and intra-community exports.

The regulation modifies the Annexes I and II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which is the general ASF control framework in the EU, and simultaneously repeals the Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1973, which contained the provisional emergency measures applied in Italy. These emergency measures are now absorbed and integrated into the general framework.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EU) 2026/2135 introduces two structural changes to the previous regulation:

The reclassification of zones means that some areas may have moved to a more severe restriction category, while others may have been released from certain limitations. ASF restriction zones are usually divided into levels (zones I, II and III) with different degrees of restriction on movements of live animals, meat products and slaughter activities. Operators must consult the new Annexes I and II to determine in which zone their activity falls.

Economic and operational impact

The practical consequences of falling within a restriction zone are direct and serious for the business:

• Movement restrictions: Live animals and pork products from restricted zones cannot circulate freely to other regions of Italy or to other EU Member States without specific authorization.
• Blocking of intra-community exports: Non-compliance with zone delimitations may result in immediate blocking of exports of pork meat and products to the rest of the EU, with consequent impact on contracts, customers and revenue.
• Slaughter and marketing restrictions: Depending on the assigned zone, special conditions or prohibitions may apply to animal slaughter and marketing of derived products.
• Risk of sanctions: Non-compliance with obligations arising from restriction zones may result in administrative sanctions, the scope of which depends on the applicable Italian national legislation.
• Integration of emergency measures: The repeal of Decision (EU) 2026/1973 means that provisional emergency measures no longer have autonomous force. Operators who were governed exclusively by that decision must now operate under the framework of Regulation (EU) 2023/594 with the new annexes.

Who does it affect?

• Pig farmers with farms located in the updated restriction zones of Italy.
• Slaughterhouses that operate in or receive animals from affected zones.
• Meat chain operators (cutting rooms, processing industries, distributors) working with pork meat of Italian origin from restricted zones.
• Italian veterinary authorities responsible for implementing and monitoring the measures.
• Importers and distributors in other Member States receiving Italian pork products, as zone traceability is required at source.

Practical example

A slaughterhouse operator in an Italian province that until September 17, 2026 operated under the emergency measures of the Decision (EU) 2026/1973 must, from September 18, verify in the new Annexes I and II of Regulation (EU) 2023/594 whether their municipality remains classified as a restriction zone and at what level.

If their zone has been reclassified to a higher restriction level, they will need to obtain additional authorizations before proceeding with slaughter or sending products to other Member States. If, on the other hand, their zone has been released from restrictions, they may resume normal operations, but must have documentation proving the new classification for their customers and destination authorities. Operating without verifying this reclassification exposes the operator to sanctions and blocking of intra-community exports.

What should companies do now?

1. Consult the new Annexes I and II of Regulation (EU) 2023/594 to verify whether the location of the farm, slaughterhouse or facility is included in any restriction zone and at what level.
2. Review operating procedures in light of the new classification: animal movements, slaughter protocols and marketing conditions may have changed from the previous situation.
3. Stop applying Decision (EU) 2026/1973 as an autonomous regulatory reference, as it has been repealed. All operations must now be governed by Regulation (EU) 2023/594 with updated annexes.
4. Contact the competent veterinary authority in Italy to obtain official confirmation of zone classification and, if necessary, request the necessary authorizations to continue with movements or exports.
5. Inform customers and business partners in other Member States about the new zone situation, providing updated health documentation to avoid rejection at destination.
6. Document compliance: keep records of zone verification, authorizations and communications with authorities as backup for possible inspections or claims.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R2135